sparen
save
Geld zurücklegen und nicht ausgeben, damit man es später nutzen kann.
Definition & meaning
The verb sparen has three primary meanings in German:
- To save money: This refers to the act of setting aside money or resources for future use rather than spending them.
- To conserve or economize: This refers to using resources (such as energy, time, or materials) sparingly or efficiently to avoid waste.
- To spare (someone/something): In certain contexts, it can mean to refrain from doing something to someone, or to exclude something from an action (e.g., "spare me the details").
Grammar & Word origin
sparen is a regular, weak verb. It takes the auxiliary verb haben.
- Present: ich spare, du sparst, er/sie/es spart
- Past (Präteritum): ich sparte
- Perfect: ich habe gespart
Word origin: The word originates from the Old High German sparen, which is related to the Proto-Germanic sparjan. It is etymologically linked to the idea of being frugal, sparing, or careful with possessions. It is also related to the English word "spare".
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- zurücklegen (to put aside)
- ansparen (to save up)
- haushalten (to economize/budget)
- einsparen (to save/cut costs)
- schonen (to spare/conserve)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Ich muss Geld sparen.verb
I have to save money.
Man sollte für die Zukunft sparen.verb
One should save for the future.
Wir müssen für die Reise sparen.verb
We have to save for the trip.
Letzte Woche haben wir viel Strom gespart.verb
Last week we saved a lot of electricity.
Wie kannst du beim Einkaufen mehr sparen?verb
How can you save more when shopping?
Meine Eltern sparten früher jeden Monat ein bisschen Geld.verb
My parents used to save a little money every month.
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